Research Scientist; f_m_x; Hyperspectral Remote Sensing – EnMAP

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and the sustainable use of resources. In doing so, we combine cutting-edge research with social relevance. Our international staff - around 1,200 employees and approx.

500 guests - work in a multidisciplinary way and with a unique infrastructure to research the dynamic processes of the Earth system.

Our vision: “Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.”

For section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (department “Geodesy”), we are looking for a:
Research Scientist (f_m_x) – Hyperspectral Remote Sensing – EnMAP Reference Number 11571

The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) is the German hyperspectral satellite mission funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. EnMAP was successfully launched into space in April 2022 and started routine operations in November 2022.

The main scientific goal of EnMAP is to provide high-quality data for the analysis of environmental changes, ecosystem responses to human activities, and the management of natural resources. GFZ Potsdam has the scientific lead of the mission, coordinating scientific collaboration, data quality assessment, mission activities, application development, training, and community building within EnMAP and the hyperspectral community.

• Develop novel scientific demonstrations based on EnMAP data, including large-area applications, time-series analyses, and multi-sensor and cross-mission approaches
• Develop novel directions for the EnMAP acquisition strategy, with a focus on future acquisition concepts and in preparation for future missions such as CHIME
• Support ongoing operational EnMAP mission activities, including acquisition planning and the review of acquisition proposals
• Present and publish research results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
• Support the preparation of scientific documentation and project reports

• An MSc in Geosciences, Geography, Remote Sensing, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a strong background in remote sensing
• Thorough knowledge of hyperspectral remote sensing and large-area and/or time-series Earth observation applications
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and experience in developing methods or workflows for the analysis of complex spatial and temporal Earth observation datasets
• Programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python and/or comparable scientific programming environments
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Very good written and spoken English

• Experience with satellite mission planning, acquisition planning, observation strategies, or related Earth observation activities
• Experience with hyperspectral satellite missions, particularly EnMAP or comparable imaging spectroscopy missions
• Experience in scientific software/workflow development, analysis-ready data cubes, or automated processing of large Earth observation datasets
• Experience in disseminating scientific results through peer-reviewed publications and/or international conferences
• German language skills

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding…